Dr. Karen Engel

Dr. Karen Engel currently serves as the Dean of Planning, Research, Innovation & Effectiveness and Accreditation Liaison Officer at Cañada College. Her team provides support in the areas of research and evaluation, strategic planning, accreditation, and inclusive governance processes to help Cañada’s faculty, staff, and administrators better understand and serve Cañada’s community in a manner that ensures equitable student outcomes and helps transform lives.

Dr. Engel previously served as the Dean of Research & Planning at the College of Alameda and as the Director of Economic & Workforce Development for the Peralta Community College District, where she supported the development and coordination of the district’s K-14 career pathway and adult education programs.

Prior to her community college experience, Dr. Engel spent more than 20 years working internationally and domestically assisting cities, regions, states, and countries in developing and implementing economic and workforce development strategies and initiatives.

She holds a BA in history and economics from Brown University and a PhD in international relations and economics from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. In 2022–23, Dr. Engel participated in the California Educational Policy Fellowship Program. She represents the North Bay/Peninsula region on The RP Group Board.